Whitworth Institute of Ministry

Spokane Recreation & Restaurants

Top 10 Attractions Within an Hour of Spokane

Riverfront Park (15 minutes): www.spokaneriverfrontpark.comLocated on the site of the Expo 74 World's Fair in downtown Spokane, this 100-acre park offers broad green lawns along the Spokane River, gondola rides, the 1909 historic Looff Carousel, and an IMAX theatre. (Free-$$)

Centennial Trail (15 minutes): spokanecentennialtrail.orgWalk or run along any point of Spokane's 37.5-mile-long trail. Along the path you'll encounter overlooks for Spokane Falls, the heart of downtown Spokane, and the Bowl and Pitcher area of Riverside State Park. (Free)

Green Bluff (15 minutes): www.greenbluffgrowers.comPick raspberries, cherries, apricots and other fresh fruit in season, or sample a fresh pie at one of 27 family farms in the area. (Free - $$)

Manito Park (20 minutes): spokaneparks.org/index.php/Parks/page/88A nationally known park recognized for its diverse horticultural displays, Manito Park, established in 1904, is one of Spokane's primary showplaces. The park, comprising five major gardens, a duck pond, and rolling, grassy hills, is a great place for a picnic or just to spend a lazy afternoon. (Free)

Little Spokane River (15 minutes): www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/little-spokane-riverThe Little Spokane River offers excellent hiking as well as a small swimming and picnicking area; it's great if you want a short drive and a quick dip. Please note that a Washington parks parking pass is required for the adjacent lots. (Free)

River Park Square (15 minutes): www.riverparksquare.comRiver Park Square is a shopping, dining, and entertainment center in downtown Spokane that features 60 retail stores, an AMC movie theatre, and festive seasonal events. Parking options include a multi-level garage and metered parking spots; depending upon which you choose, an afternoon's parking will cost around $2-7.50. (Free-$$)

Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture (20 minutes): www.northwestmuseum.orgExplore Pacific Northwest history, Native American culture, and art that reflects a variety of media and eras at this beautiful museum in Spokane's historic Browne's Addition. Street parking is limited, so allow yourself plenty of time to find a space. ($)

Bowl and Pitcher Area at Riverside State Park (20 minutes): www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/riverside-state-parkHikers can begin at the Bowl and Pitcher's footbridge and hike past the rapids of the Spokane River. A Washington Parks parking pass is needed for most lots. (Free)

Lake Coeur d'Alene (45 minutes): www.coeurdalene.orgEnjoy one of the area's most beautiful lakes, Coeur d'Alene, either from the beach and shops along the lakeshore or aboard one of the many available boat cruises. (Free - $$$)